Linwood man faces charges for running a “mini-pharmacy” operation out of his home

Media, Pa -- Today District Attorney Katayoun Copeland and Chief James Nolan IV of the Chester Police Department announced the arrest of Gregory Ridgell, 43, of Linwood, who is facing drug trafficking charges relating to an investigation that uncovered large quantities of nine different controlled substances including methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription pills, cocaine, MDMA/“Molly,” along with gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), known as the “date rape drug,” and various other controlled substances.

Gregory Ridgell, 43, of the 1400 block of Tallylynn Avenue in Linwood, is facing nine counts of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance. The arrest comes at the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Chester City Narcotics Unit and the Delaware County Drug Task Force.

On April 17, 2018, the Chester City Narcotics Unit along with assisting officers from the Delaware County Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at Ridgell’s home in Linwood. All windows of the house were boarded and barred including the kitchen sliding door, and the interior kitchen door had a numbered key code. During the search, officers uncovered a large crystal rock of methamphetamine and baggies containing methamphetamine, in addition to mason jars filled with baggies of marijuana. Officers also uncovered clear zip lock bags containing Clonazepam pills, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, MDMA/“Molly,” lidocaine patches, and vials of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), which is commonly known as a “date rape drug.”

“We will be unwavering in our relentless assault on the scourge of illegal drug sales in Chester,” said Chief Nolan. “It is the catalyst for many of the social and criminal problems that require our attention. As you can see, this is a problem that spider webs throughout the county. The benefits from the use of the Task Force created by the Office of the District attorney are immeasurable. The ability to operate between municipalities and increase manpower stops many of the hindrances that would otherwise occur. It is a collaborative tool that serves the community well,” said Chief Nolan.

“Our Drug Task Force is continually working to attack the source of these deadly drugs and aggressively arrest and prosecute drug dealers. In this case, due to the excellent investigative work of Officer Matthew Donohue of the Chester Narcotics Task Force along with other Chester Narcotics officers, with additional assistance from our Delaware County Drug Task Force, police officers were able to apprehend this dealer who was running what appeared to be a mini-pharmacy of illegal drugs out of his own home,” said District Attorney Copeland.

On behalf of the Commonwealth, Deputy District Attorney Sharon McKenna, Chief of Narcotics Unit, is prosecuting the case.